Volcano Erupts In South Japan

As if Japan didn't have enough problems this week, a volcano located in the south region of the Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan erupted today forcing evacuation of nearby residents.

Hundreds of people were forced to flee as volcanic ash spew into the air and sent ashes up to two miles away. Shinmoedake which had been lying dormant for nearly 52 years, became active again in January.

The Los Angeles Times reported that windows were shattered up to 4 miles away. The New York Daily reports that the explosion from the eruption could be heard miles away.

Video footage of activity inside the crater has not shown any signs of lava flow.

However, volcanologists are warning more eruptions can occur in the future. No injuries have been reported.

Videos of Mt. Shinmoedake Volcano Eruption

March 13, 2011 footage:

March 13, 2011 footage:

February 1, 2011 footage:

About Kerry Kobashi

Kerry is the founder of KerryOnWorld. He lives in Silicon Valley and has worked as an engineer and project manager. He owns Kobashi Computing a consulting company.